| Can you name the one piece of equipment that you | | | | High Handicapper (19+) |
| will play with on every shot of your round? Yes, your | | | | High distance |
| golf ball. Like all equipment, technology has taken over | | | | Low spin |
| and we are now presented with an overwhelming | | | | 2-piece ball with Surlyn cover |
| number of choices. A common mistake is to pick your | | | | Mid Handicapper (8 - 19) |
| golf ball based on price (either expensive or cheap) or | | | | Control |
| because your favorite PGA player endorses it. Below I | | | | Mid Spin |
| will outline a basic guide for choosing the right golf ball | | | | 3-piece ball with Surlyn cover |
| for your game. | | | | Low Handicapper (Under 8) |
| The anatomy of a golf ball: | | | | Control or Balata |
| 1. Inner construction: 2 piece, 3 piece, and multi-layer. | | | | High spin |
| The type of construction affects the distance, | | | | Multi-layer ball |
| accuracy, and amount of spin. | | | | Beginners should look for an inexpensive distance ball |
| 2. The core: A harder core will produce a longer shot. | | | | with a softer feel (spin and accuracy are not as |
| This hardness gives the ball additional roll but reduces | | | | important). If you are a mid to low handicapper you |
| the amount of spin you can put on the ball. | | | | should be looking for a 3 to 4 piece ball with a high spin |
| 3. Compression: 90 compression balls feel softer than | | | | rate and accuracy. Distance balls start below $10 a |
| 100 compression balls. The actual difference in | | | | dozen, while you should expect to pay between $40 |
| distance is minimal. | | | | and $50 dollars for pro level balls. |
| 4. The dimple pattern: The dimple pattern does not | | | | Use the above guide as a starting point. If possible, try |
| affect the spin of the ball. It affects the aerodynamics | | | | out several different balls. See if your club shop or |
| of the ball. When the dimple pattern and inner | | | | retail store has demo balls that you can hit. Once you |
| construction are matched, manufacturers can optimize | | | | have factored in the above variables, there is only one |
| trajectory for control and distance. | | | | question left. Does it feel right to you? If it does, then |
| So which golf ball is right for you? | | | | play it until those variables change. Good luck. |
| Use the chart below as a general guide. | | | | |